Do Vikings Fit Derek Carr's Criteria for Post-Retirement Team Selection?

Former New Orleans Saints and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is open to returning to the NFL. That much is common knowledge now. What isn't so much common knowledge is that the Vikings could be of interest for the quarterback.

Derek's brother David Carr hinted at the possibility of Carr returning as a member of a team in purple and gold in their podcast, "Home Grown with David and Derek Carr." There are, of course, two teams most known for their purple in the NFL, but the Ravens aren't known for the prominence of gold in uniforms and are set at quarterback with Lamar Jackson. It seems clear the Vikings are the team David was hinting at in the podcast.

Mike Moraitis of The Sporting News discussed Carr's potential return from retirement and a team that makes the most sense. He landed on the Vikings being a good fit given Carr's criteria for a return.

"The first team that comes to mind that could have interest in Carr is the Minnesota Vikings, who are reportedly in the market for a veteran insurance policy for J.J. McCarthy, who failed to cement himself as the long-term answer.

McCarthy was the biggest roadblock to the Vikings making the playoffs. Even with that issue, Minnesota still won nine games. An upgrade at quarterback could make Minnesota a true contender in 2026, which is why Carr could have interest.

After comments he made praising New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and the team's fans, there was a belief that maybe Carr would consider joining Gang Green. But with the Jets rebuilding, they don't check the contender box Carr is looking for."

It's reasonable to assume Carr wants to join a team that is a quarterback away from being a contender. By all accounts, the Minnesota Vikings fit that description.

The Vikings went 9-8 last season with not much of anything in the way of quarterback production. The team defeated the Detroit Lions in a game in which the team was in danger of net negative passing yards from Max Brosmer when you add sack yardage to his passing yard total. The defense, and the skill positions, are in place for a playoff run next season after being just one year removed from a 14-3 season with Sam Darnold at quarterback in 2024.

Whether Carr, Kyler Murray or another quarterback is the signal caller the Vikings target is still to be seen, but Minnesota fans can rest assured there's a good chance the team will upgrade the position this offseason.